The holiday for Hijri New Year will fall on Sunday, September 1, the Federal Authority for Human Resources in the UAE announced. Many UAE residents will, therefore, get a long weekend. Earlier this year, UAE had announced that the holiday calendar would be unified for the public and private sectors. UAE residents will also have another holiday to look forward to in December with Commemoration Day and National Day giving a 5-day long weekend.
What is Hijri New Year?
The occasion marks 1,441 years since the migration of Prophet Mohammed and his companions from Makkah to Madinah, Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia. The first year in the Islamic calendar, Hijri 1, corresponds to the year 622AD. Hijri is derived from the Arabic word Hijrah, which means migration. In the religious context, it specifically refers to the migration of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) more than 14 centuries ago.
When will it take place?
Hijri New Year falls on August 31, Saturday. However, the UAE government might potentially push it by a day, so that workers can receive a long weekend.
Why does the Islamic calendar start with Hijrah and what is the significance of this event?
Hijrah was the definitive turning point in the history of Islam. It is not just a historical event but is an opportunity for introspection. Thousands of years ago, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated, leaving everything behind — their homes, their property, and their loved ones. They chose to sacrifice worldly gains and comforts for the perseverance of their religion, which was at the time in danger in Makkah. The prophet himself was escaping his death from the Quraish elderlies.
What is the Hijri calendar?
The Hijri calendar is based on the lunar year, in which months are 29 or 30 days, depending on when the waxing crescent moon is sighted after the new moon. As a result, the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian solar year, arriving around 11 days “earlier” after each full cycle.
What are the months on the Hijri calendar?
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi Al Awwal
- Rabi Al Thani
- Jumada Al Ula
- Jumada Al Akhira
- Rajab
- Sha’aban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhu Al Qa’da
- Dhu Al Hijja
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